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Kentucky Historical Society
KHS to Dedicate Historical Marker to Honor Campaign to End Racial Segregation in Louisville
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2011) — The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) will dedicate a historical marker to honor the campaign to end racial segregation in Louisville at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at 610 South Fourth St.
Full-scale efforts to end racial segregation in Louisville began in February 1961 when local high school students staged nonviolent demonstrations. Under the leadership of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), they demanded passage of laws to end public racial discrimination. Fourth Street was a hub of community activity where many protests and arrests occurred. Negotiations with city officials, demonstrations, an economic boycott, voter registration and issue-oriented voting led to the passage of an ordinance on May 14, 1963, making it unlawful for anyone to be refused service in a public place because of race, color, religion or national origin.
This historical marker is sponsored by the Louisville branch of the NAACP.
The Kentucky Historical Marker Program, administered by KHS in cooperation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, commemorates historical sites, events and personalities throughout the state. Through the program, the wealth of Kentucky history is made accessible to the public on markers along the state’s roadways. The markers are on-the-spot history lessons that add drama and interest to the countryside for Kentuckians as well as tourists.
For more information about the program, contact Becky Riddle, Kentucky Historical Marker program coordinator, at 502-564-1792, ext. 4474 or
becky.riddle@ky.gov.
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An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, established in 1836, is committed to helping people understand, cherish and share Kentucky's history. The KHS history campus includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the State Arsenal. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit www.history.ky.gov.
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